What Is It?
Fibrocystic changes in breasts are very common. Almost everyone has extra water in their body a week before their menstrual period (monthly bleeding). The water causes breasts to be a little (or a lot) sore and maybe get larger. The water is in the glands that produce milk after delivery of a baby. There can be water in the tubes that lead from the glands to the nipple too.

Some women will have scar tissue (fibrous tissue) that develops because of the irritation from extra fluid. Both the fluid filled glands and the scar tissue will feel lumpy. This can be hard to tell from non-fibrocystic breast tissue.

How will I Know If I Have Fibrocystic Breasts?
All breasts feel lumpy. It's the glandular tissue and fatty tissue in the breasts that feels lumpy. If they feel lumpier before your period and less lumpy 7 to 10 days after your period, you have fibrocystic changes.

Now, if you feel a lump that is harder or larger than the other lumps, see your health care provider for a breast exam. The lump will probably just be fibrocystic scar tissue.

How Will I Know the Lumps Aren't Cancer?
Lumps that go away after a period are almost never cancer. But do talk to your health care provider the first time you find one. You will probably not need any more tests. Sometimes pictures, called mammograms, are taken of the breasts. Mammograms should be done every year or two after you get to be around 35 or 40 years old, depending on your family history of breast cancer. If you have close relatives with breast cancer, you would want to get your first mammogram earlier, maybe even in your 20s. Close relatives are mother and sisters. Get checked sooner if they got breast cancer at a young age.

Can I Do Anything To Decrease Fibrocystic Changes?
Yes! You can do the following:

Do monthly breast self-exam. This is the most important thing to do. Wear a bra with good support. Stop caffeine. It's in coffee, colas and other soft drinks, tea, and chocolate. Don't smoke. Smoking damages the blood vessels, which remove breast fluid. Eat less salt. It causes you to hold water in your body. Eat less mucus-forming foods such as milk, meat, eggs and flour. Eat less sugar and artificial sweeteners. Increase grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fruits in your diet.